NEXT SEASON

Those attending tonight's show will have a chance to buy memberships for the 2013-14 season at a 10 percent discount. The series opens Sept. 17 with the men's chorus Sound of Tennessee, singing barbershop, blues, gospel, standards, patriotic tunes and pop classics. On Oct. 28, The Diamonds of "Little Darlin'" and "The Stroll" fame will offer an evening of classic rock 'n' roll. Scheduled the following spring are jazz pianist Jesse Lynch and Broadway star Franc D'Ambrosio, whose 2,300 performances made him the longest-running Phantom in "Phantom of the Opera."

Jason Coleman, grandson of legendary Nashville pianist Floyd Cramer, carries on the family tradition in a tribute concert to be presented tonight, April 25, on the campus of Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn.

This is the final show in the Cleveland-Bradley Concert Association's 2012-13 season and Coleman's second visit.

"His performance two years ago to rave reviews brought many requests from the audience for him to return," says publicity chairman Marion Cook.

Cramer, who died of cancer in 1997, was one of the most admired instrumentalists of all time. His distinctive touch at the piano, which he called "slip note," was exemplified in his 1960 smash hit "Last Date." His technique was widely imitated in country, pop and rock music.

Coleman, 28, started piano lessons at age 5 and performed with his grandfather on several occasions at concerts and on national TV. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, accompanying Hank Locklin on "Please Help Me I'm Falling," which Cramer recorded with Locklin more than 40 years earlier. Two years later, Coleman played at the Country Music Hall of Fame medallion ceremony recognizing Cramer's induction into the Hall of Fame.

The association also is sponsoring a free student outreach performance for area students today at 1 p.m. as part of its ongoing commitment to support arts education in the Cleveland area.